FWC euthanizes bear that attacked pets

State wildlife officials said Tuesday they have caught and euthanized a bear that had been terrorizing the Overbrook neighborhood.

FORT WALTON BEACH — State wildlife officials said Tuesday they have caught and euthanized a bear that had been terrorizing the Overbrook neighborhood.

Stan Kirkland, spokesman with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said residents had reported the 155-pound female bear in their neighborhood numerous times. It attacked pets at least three times within the last few weeks.

One instance was at Rick and Sherri Easom’s home on Linda Cove on Aug. 18. The couple’s 10-year-old Britain spaniel Beemer was bitten by the bear and suffered 14 puncture wounds.

Rick Easom grabbed a baseball bat and hit the bear on the head to force it to release Beemer. Sherri Easom said later that the bear charged at her husband, but lost its balance and fell into their pool. The fall gave the couple time to get themselves and their dog inside.

“Due to the repeated instances of the bear biting these dogs she had to be put down,” Kirkland said. “I think the ultimate decision was not to test the bear."